Date: January 31, 2007
To: All Customs House Brokers, Importers, Freight Forwarders, and Other Interested Parties
From: Erica S. Flores, Santa Teresa Cargo Coordinator
Re: ACE e-Manifest/Trade Act Enforcement Plan
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched the first phase of mandatory use of the Automate Commercial Environment (ACE) to transmit advance electronic truck cargo information (e-Manifest). As of Thursday, January 25, 2007, all ports of entry in the state of Washington, Arizona and the North Dakota ports of: Pembina, Neche, Walhalla, Maida, Hannah, Sarles, Hansboro are now required to file electronic manifests with CBP, through ACE, when entering the United States.
As required, CBP will publish Federal Register Notice(s) 90 days prior to requiring the use of ACE at the remaining ports. The implementation schedule for the remaining five groups of ports will be announced in the following order:
-All ports of entry in Michigan, Texas, California, New Mexico and New York
-All ports of entry in Vermont and Alaska
-All ports of entry in Maine, Idaho and Montana
-All remaining ports of entry in North Dakota (those not identified above as having a specific compliance date)
-All ports of entry in Minnesota
In order to prepare for this mandatory transition, we are requesting that all Customs house brokers and truck carriers ensure that their ACE accounts and e-Manifest practices are in place, or progressing in time for the conversion. Shippers and importers should also make certain their cross-border carriers are meeting all ACE truck carrier requirements.
Carriers may file e-Manifests through the ACE Secure Data Portal, with CBP directly through EDI, or use a third party to submit electronic manifest information to CBP on their behalf by way of EDI or the portal.
Attached is an ACE Application Form (use to establish an account), ACE Welcome Package (step by step guide), and answers to frequently asked questions.
More information about ACE and e-Manifest available at www.cbp.gov
